6 Engaging Word Games for Aging Adults

By Ted Holmgren, 9:00 am on September 11, 2017

Studies indicate seniors who engage in daily mental stimulation reduce the risk of developing dementia by 30 to 40 percent. Playing word games can keep the brain functioning properly. These games help the brain concentrate and boost critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. Whether the games are played online or using a writing tool, the visual and physical actions involved also stimulate the brain. Here are a few word games aging adults should consider playing.

1. Daily Crosswords

Many older adults enjoy completing crossword puzzles in daily or weekly newspapers. There are also booklets and online websites offering crosswords that vary in complexity and difficulty. Seniors who use dictionaries when working on the puzzles further engage their brains and boost their cognitive health.

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2. Scrabble

This common board game stimulates the brain, boosts critical thinking skills, and allows seniors to socialize with other players. Playing the game also stimulates the visual and physical activity areas of the brain. Keeping score requires logical and analytical skills.

3. Boggle

This game can be played on a board, a mobile device, or online. A bubble displays a series of random letters, and players must make as many words as possible from the selection. They then receive points according to the number and length of words. Playing Boggle encourages seniors to remember and recall vocabulary.

4. Word Sweep

This game was endorsed by the Merriam-Webster dictionary publishers. It involves identifying a series of words after being provided clues. For example: what word follows “creed” in the dictionary? The clue is another word for a small stream. Word sweep is a wonderful way for a group of seniors to enjoy the fun and stimulation. Rewards can be awarded as points or small prizes.

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5. Word Search

Word search games are ideal for seniors who do not have the cognitive ability to work more challenging puzzles. Individuals need merely go down a list of words and find the letters that make the word in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal locations. This game stimulates the areas of the brain that require visual and physical activity. Seeing and reading the words listed may also trigger the memory.

6. Text Twist

This game is available as an app for mobile devices. Players are given a series of letters and must create words with three, four, five, six, seven, or more letters. When playing in a timed mode, scores are provided based on the number and length of words created. Players must achieve a particular score level before advancing to the next level, and each game becomes increasingly difficult. Playing Text Twist stimulates the visual and memory areas of the brain while encouraging critical thinking skills.

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